Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

JOHN 14:10KJV
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John 14:10 (KJV)

What does John 14:10 mean?

John 14:10 means that Jesus is explaining his unity with God the Father, saying that his words and actions are not from himself alone, but come from the Father who lives in him and works through him. Jesus is telling his disciples that what they see and hear from him is really the work and message of God the Father.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper, responding to Philip’s request to show them the Father. Jesus emphasizes that he and the Father are so closely connected that his words and deeds are actually the Father’s. This statement is meant to help the disciples understand Jesus’ unique relationship with God and why they can trust what he says and does.

The Greek behind John 14:10

  • ἐν (en): This word means "in" and is used both for "I am in the Father" and "the Father in me." The repetition highlights a deep, mutual relationship, not just a surface connection.
  • μένων (menōn): Translated as "dwelleth," this word means to remain, stay, or abide. It shows that the Father’s presence in Jesus is ongoing and constant, not temporary.
  • ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ (ap’ emautou): This phrase means "of myself" or "from myself." Jesus is clarifying that he is not acting independently, but everything he says comes from the Father.

Why John 14:10 matters

  • John 14:10 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus acted on his own apart from God; instead, it stresses that his words and works are directly from the Father.
  • This verse highlights the unique closeness between Jesus and the Father, which is a key theme in the Gospel of John and helps explain why Jesus can reveal God so fully.
  • The verse prepares the disciples (and readers) to trust Jesus’ teachings and actions as truly representing God, especially as he prepares them for his departure.

Where else these words appear

“myself” Greek G1683 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

“words” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

“dwelleth” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.